Abstract
Each medical application requires a specific combination of different functions. Prominent examples
for functions in the field of biomedical polymers are controlled drug release, or drug transport.
Various concepts for multifunctional drug release and carrier systems will be presented. Furthermore,
strategies for creating on demand release will be introduced.
Multifunctionality for implants was obtained by integrating shape-memory effect, diffusion controlled
drug release and degradability as almost independent functions. Container tubes equipped with a
shape-switching capacity for diameter reduction allow on-demand release. Also, a drug release system
triggered by ultrasound as alternative stimulus to temperature will be presented.
Polydepsipeptides, alternating copolymers of an α-amino acid and a α-hydroxy acid, are an interesting
group of degradable polymers, and can exhibit strong physical interactions. Triblock copolymers with
an oligodepsipeptide middle block build nanoparticles, which form stable polyplexes with great
potential to combine efficient transfection capability with low toxicity of the transfection agent.
